A Florida home health nurse, Nia Ayers, has been arrested for allegedly abusing an 18-year-old disabled woman in her care. Ayers, 24, faces charges of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult following an investigation by the St. Cloud Police Department.
Authorities say the victim, a non-verbal quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, suffered repeated abuse at the hands of Ayers, as revealed by home surveillance footage. The disturbing videos reportedly show Ayers taping the young woman’s mouth shut and forcefully removing the tape.
At one point, she is also seen pressing a washcloth over the victim’s face and shaking her biPAP breathing machine while it remained connected to her.
The victim’s mother grew concerned after seeing cuts and bruises on her daughter’s face. She reviewed home security footage and immediately alerted police.
“This is a truly heinous act,” said St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. “The victim is completely defenseless and unable to call for help.”
Nia Ayers turned herself in on May 7 and was booked into the Osceola County Department of Corrections the next day. She is currently being held without bond as the investigation continues.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?